Fresh Frozen Plasma

(FFP) Dosage

Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) has optimal value when transfused at the appropriate dose. The recommended adult
therapeutic dose of FFP is 15mL/kg(1), and the dose of FFP should always be at least 10mL/kg(2); however a national
audit showed in clinical practice 40% of adults received a FFP dose <10mL/kg(2).
The prescribed dose of FFP should be guided by clinical situation and coagulation results(3,4,5).

Calculations for One Adult Therapeutic Dose FFP

FFP dose – Volume/Units†
Patient Weight (kg)
15mL/kg Units FFP
50kg 750mL
55kg 825mL 3
60kg 900mL
65kg 975mL
70kg 1,050mL
75kg 1,125mL
4
80kg 1,200mL
85kg 1,275mL
90kg 1,350mL
95kg 1,425mL
5
100kg 1,500mL
†
Volume of FFP in a unit is variable, mean FFP unit volume = 273mLs(3).

This document is intended as a guide to the appropriate adult dose of FFP, it is not a directive, and should not be
used in place of clinical assessment.
Caution should be exercised if using this chart for calculating FFP volumes for overweight patients as the volume
suggested may be an over estimation and may risk fluid overload.
Protocols for the Management of Massive Haemorrhage may contain alternative strategies for the adult dose of FFP;
please refer to local guidelines as appropriate.
For further information contact your hospital Transfusion Practitioner, Consultant Haematologist for transfusion, or
hospital transfusion laboratory (blood bank).

(1) 
National Blood Transfusion Committee. Indication Codes for Transfusion – an audit tool. April 2013. Accessed at:
http://www.transfusionguidelines.org.uk/docs/pdfs/nbtc_2014_04_recs_indication_codes_2013.pdf
(2) 
NHS Blood and Transplant. National Comparative Audit of the Use of Fresh Frozen Plasma: Full Report. February 2009. Accessed at:
http://hospital.blood.co.uk/library/pdf/Audit_of_FFP_Elsewheres2009.pdf
(3) 
NHS Blood and Transplant. Portfolio of Components and Guidance for their Clinical Use. October 2012. Accessed at:
http://hospital.blood.co.uk/library/pdf/components/SPN223_5_4.pdf
(4) 
British Committee for Standards in Haematology: Guidelines for the use of Fresh-Frozen Plasma, cryoprecipitate and cryosupernatant.
British Journal of Haematology 2004, 126: 11-28.
(5) 
British Committee for Standards in Haematology: Guidelines on the management of massive blood loss. British Journal of Haematology 2006, 135(5): 634-641.

BLC697  1314024 Version 2, November 2013